MPSS (Multi-Purpose Solution Saver) contact lense case

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture for a MPSS (MULTI-PURPOSE SOLUTION SAVER) CONTACT LENS CASE: A concentrically oriented, dual chamber (inner &amp; outer), simultaneous sealing contact lens case that indicates the minimum amount of MPS (multi-purpose solution) required for asepsis and facilitates removal of the len(s) from chambers with Concentric dual chambers. Solution level indication, reduced profile height.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/760,861, filed on Jan. 23, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of contact lens storage and more specifically to an article of manufacture for a MPSS (MULTI-PURPOSE SOLUTION SAVER) CONTACT LENS CASE: A concentrically oriented, dual chamber (inner & outer), simultaneous sealing contact lens case that indicates the minimum amount of MPS (multi-purpose solution) required for asepsis and facilitates removal of said len(s) from chambers.

CONTACT CASE ABSTRACT: Background Info

Users of contact lenses typically use a molded plastic case for storage of lenses in a multi-purpose solution (MPS). Although there is some variation in the design of the cases, there are common features which make a contact lens case readily identifiable, namely; two identical lens storage bays, each of which receives a contact lens (left side, right side) and MPS, and removable covers that close the opening of each bay.

The bays are typically, but not always, shaped like cups with rounded bottoms that result in a smooth transition from the vertical side wall to the horizontal bottom. The sizing requirement for the storage bay is that it must accommodate the maximum size contact lens and be deep enough to allow sufficient MPS to completely cover the contact lens.

The lens chamber is, typically, somewhat larger than the contained contact lens, particularly with regards to the depth of the chamber. This sizing is typical for currently available contact lens cases and results in three conditions that may be of concern to users:

1. The chamber size (depth, diameter) allows users to add MPS well in excess of the minimum required to fully cover the contact lens. There is no reference markings, or features, that indicate when sufficient MPS has been added. Often this results in excessive MPS consumption.

2. The chamber size (depth, diameter) may cause problems for some users when removing the contact lens after the storage period. This may be the case for persons with large hands, or persons with some medical condition that restricts manual dexterity.

3. The overall size of the case is unnecessarily large, for the lens storage function, and may be uncomfortable, or inconvenient, to carry in clothing pockets.

Multi-Purpose Solution Saver Contact Lens Case Design

The new contact case design presented here improves upon the “standard” contact lens case design. The main feature of this new design is that the lens storage chamber depth is comprised of two concentrically arranged bays.

The “inner” chamber receives the contact lens and MPS, and is of reduced size to provide sufficient space for the maximum size contact lens without excess space. The top edge at the opening of the inner chamber provides a visual reference point for users when placing MPS into the chamber; fill the chamber up to the top edge. Any additional MPS is not necessary.

Since the inner chamber size provides only the necessary space to contain the maximum contact lens size and sufficient MPS to cover the lens, this allows users to more accurately and consistently use a minimum quantity of MPS. This results in reduced consumption of MPS. If the user adds excess MPS (more than the inner chamber can contain) the concentric “outer” chamber receives the excess.

The inner chamber should be sealed to retain the MPS, once a sufficient amount has been added to the chamber. Also, the outer chamber should be sealed so that any MPS overflow does not leak out of the lens bay, particularly when a user is carrying the case in a clothing pocket. Both of these seal requirements are accomplished by a raised feature on the removable cover that creates a simultaneous interference with the top opening edge of both the inner and outer chambers, resulting in a seal that contains the fluid within both those chambers.

Several benefits are derived by reducing the size of the contact lens chamber:

1. The smaller contact lens chamber contains a lesser amount of MPS and provides a reduction in MPS consumption.

2. The reduced depth of the contact lens chamber facilitates contact lens removal from the chamber after a storage period.

3. The smaller contact lens chamber allows a smaller overall profile/height to the contact lens case, which provides easier placement into clothing pockets.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is a Contact Lens Case with left and right lens storage bays, each bay having concentrically oriented dual chambers. The inner chamber(s) receives the lens and multi-purpose solution (MPS). The outer chamber receives any overflow that may occur from the inner chamber.

Another object of the invention is the upper edge of each lens inner chamber is designed to indicate the minimum amount of multi-purpose solution required for asepsis. Excess will flow into the outer chamber.

Another object of the invention is the removable cover(s) simultaneously seals the concentrically oriented dual chambers with raised features on the interior surface(s) of said removable cover(s) to prevent leakage of contained fluid.

A further object of the invention is The shallow design of the inner chamber allows for easier removal of each lens.

Yet another object of the invention is that the unique design results in a lower overall profile for enhanced portability.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an article of manufacture for a MPSS (MULTI-PURPOSE SOLUTION SAVER) CONTACT LENS CASE: A concentrically oriented, dual chamber (inner & outer), simultaneous sealing contact lens case that indicates the minimum amount of MPS (multi-purpose solution) required for asepsis and facilitates removal of said len(s) from chambers comprising: Concentric dual chambers. Solution level indication, reduced profile height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

See drawings as follows:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

FIGS. 1 and 2 describe the standard contact lens cases currently available and a cross section through one lens bay.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the new MPSS Contact Case Lens design showing the concentrically arranged chambers in one of the lens bays.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section through one lens bay of the new MPSS Case design.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the lens bay demonstrating the placement of a contact lens and MPS within the inner chamber and overflow of MPS into the concentric outer chamber.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the lens bay with the contact lens, MPS, and cover in the stored state. Also illustrated is the simultaneous sealing of the inner and outer chambers by the cover.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the interior of the cover and the seal feature that provides the simultaneous seal of the inner and outer chambers of the new MPSS.

A user removes each cover and places a contact lens into the inner chamber of the appropriate left,or right bay. With the lens in place the user fills each inner chamber with solution to the upper edge of the inner chamber. Excess solution flows into the concentric outer chamber. A cover is then placed over each storage bay.

Advantages of this new contact lens case design are as follows:

1: Reduced consumption of solution.

2: Easier lens removal after storage period.

3: Lower profile for easier portability.

DEFINITIONS

Concentric chambers: the inner and outer chambers arranged coaxially.

Simultaneous sealing: sealing both inner and outer chambers with one or more seal features in the removable cover.

MPS: Multi-Purpose Solution, a liquid solution used for asepsis and storage of contact lens.

Asepsis: The prevention of septic infection.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. An article of manufacture for a MPSS (MULTI-PURPOSE SOLUTION SAVER) CONTACT LENS CASE: A concentrically oriented, dual chamber (inner & outer), simultaneous sealing contact lens case that indicates the minimum amount of MPS (multi-purpose solution) required for asepsis and facilitates removal of said len(s) from chambers comprising: Concentric dual chambers; Solution level indication ; reduced profile height. 